The 6 Cs of Care Explained
Quick Answer: The 6 Cs of Care are Care, Compassion, Competence, Communication, Courage, and Commitment—the fundamental values that define high-quality health and social care in the UK.
What Are the 6 Cs?
Developed by NHS England as part of the “Compassion in Practice” strategy, the 6 Cs provide a clear framework for what excellent care looks like. These aren’t just buzzwords—they’re practical principles that shape how care is delivered every day.
The 6 Cs Explained
1. Care
What it means: Tailoring support to each person’s unique needs and promoting wellbeing at every stage of life.
In practice: A care worker learns about a resident’s life story and personal preferences, then uses this knowledge to provide truly personalised support that helps them stay active and independent.
2. Compassion
What it means: Treating people with genuine kindness, respect, and empathy—not just going through the motions.
In practice: A doctor takes extra time with an anxious patient, explaining their diagnosis in clear terms and acknowledging their fears, making them feel truly valued and heard.
3. Competence
What it means: Having the knowledge, skills, and training to deliver effective, evidence-based care.
In practice: Care staff attend regular training sessions on dementia support, pain management, or new care techniques to ensure they’re providing the best possible care.
4. Communication
What it means: Clear, respectful dialogue between care workers, patients, and families—where listening is as important as speaking.
In practice: Hospital staff collaborate across departments to ensure smooth transitions, while actively involving patients and families in care decisions.
5. Courage
What it means: Speaking up when something isn’t right, advocating for better practices, and challenging poor standards of care.
In practice: A healthcare assistant notices a potential medication error and immediately raises concerns, preventing harm to a patient.
6. Commitment
What it means: Dedication to continuous improvement, ongoing learning, and upholding the highest standards in care.
In practice: A care home manager mentors new staff, seeks regular feedback from residents and families, and invests in professional development.
Why the 6 Cs Matter
For you or your loved one receiving care:
- You have the right to expect care that embodies these values
- These principles ensure you’re treated with dignity and respect
- They guarantee you’ll be actively involved in decisions about your care
For care professionals:
- Provides a clear framework for delivering excellent care
- Validates your dedication and gives purpose to challenging work
- Guides difficult decisions and ethical dilemmas
For families:
- Offers a practical checklist when evaluating care homes or services
- Helps you advocate effectively for your loved one
- Gives you a benchmark for what quality care should look like
Spotting the 6 Cs in Action
In a Hospital
- Care: Nurses assess individual pain levels and adjust treatment accordingly
- Compassion: Staff explain procedures in empathetic, understandable terms
- Competence: Healthcare professionals stay current with latest medical techniques
- Communication: Smooth handovers between shifts keep everyone informed
- Courage: Staff speak up about potential safety issues
- Commitment: Experienced staff mentor newcomers in best practices
In a Care Home
- Care: Activities are tailored to each resident’s interests and abilities
- Compassion: Staff create an environment where residents feel safe and valued
- Competence: Carers receive specialist training in areas like dementia care
- Communication: Residents are consulted about meal choices, activities, and routines
- Courage: Staff report concerns about resident wellbeing promptly
- Commitment: Regular quality reviews and staff development programs
Questions to Ask Care Providers
When evaluating care services, use the 6 Cs as your guide:
Care: “How do you tailor your approach to individual needs and preferences?”
Compassion: “Can you give examples of how staff show empathy in daily interactions?”
Competence: “What training do your staff receive, and how often is it updated?”
Communication: “How do you keep residents and families informed about care decisions?”
Courage: “What’s your process for staff to raise concerns about care quality?”
Commitment: “How do you measure and improve your care standards?”
The History
The 6 Cs were introduced by Jane Cummings, NHS England’s Chief Nursing Officer, as part of the “Compassion in Practice” strategy. Before this, there was no unified framework defining what excellent care should look like. Since their introduction, they’ve transformed care standards across the UK and inspired similar frameworks globally.
Getting Support
If you have concerns about care quality:
Care Quality Commission (CQC)
Regulates and inspects health and social care services
Phone: 03000 616161
Website: www.cqc.org.uk
Healthwatch England
Independent champion for people using care services
Website: www.healthwatch.co.uk
For advice and support:
Age UK
Support for older people and their families
Advice Line: 0800 678 1602
Website: www.ageuk.org.uk
Carers UK
Support for unpaid caregivers
Helpline: 0808 808 7777
Website: www.carersuk.org
Key Takeaways
✓ The 6 Cs define what high-quality care looks like in practice
✓ They apply to all care settings—hospitals, care homes, home care, and community services
✓ You have the right to expect care that embodies all six values
✓ Use these principles as a checklist when choosing care services
✓ Care workers who embrace these values find greater meaning in their work
Finding the Right Care
At Lidder Care, we embed the 6 Cs into everything we do at Newgate Lodge care home and Lowmoor nursing home in Mansfield. Our staff are trained to provide personalised, compassionate support that respects individual preferences and promotes independence.
If you’re exploring care options for yourself or a loved one, we’re here to help. Contact us to discuss how our approach to care might be right for you.
Chris’s early experiences in care continue to inspire his dedication to providing excellent care, investing in staff, services, and new technologies to enhance Lidder Care’s offerings.